Compare 2/42 and 40/50
2/42 is smaller than 40/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 50 is 1050
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1050 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 25 = 1050,
2/42 = 2 × 25/42 × 25 = 50/1050 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 21 = 1050,
40/50 = 40 × 21/50 × 21 = 840/1050 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 50/1050 < 840/1050 or 2/42 < 40/50
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